Romero let him escape. After hurting Lopez with a counter right in the fifth, he failed to increase his output and surrendered the championship rounds by fighting in short, infrequent bursts. A more aggressive finish may have taken the decision out of Teofimo’s hands.
The southpaw stance presents a more difficult puzzle. Paro stays active behind his jab and can keep his lead foot outside Lopez’s, making Teofimo initiate rather than sit back and spring counters. Lopez has often been less effective as the designated aggressor against disciplined opponents who deny him reckless openings.
Late in the fight, the d
